Fernandes, who is a cousin of the former Manchester City player Gélson Fernandes, is a product of Sion’s youth system and made 26 appearances in the Swiss Super league last season, scoring one goal.

The 6ft 3in midfielder will face an uphill battle to break into the Hammers midfield though, with captain Mark Noble, new signing Havard Nordtveit and tireless runner Cheikhou Kouyate all considered as senior players.

A columnist called ‘The Insider’ has now claimed on the official West Ham website has claimed that the Hammers could be about to sign an international striker in the next 48 hours, as manager Slaven Bilic looks to continue his summer spending before next Wednesday’s deadline.